Papers written by Curzon on the Near and Middle East [‎83r] (165/348)

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M. Briand said that he could not accept all Lord Curzon’s proposed terms without
consulting his Government; he agreed as to Smyrna, but not as to Thrace.
Lord Cutzotl said he could not go beyond what he had suggested yesterday,
1 . 6 ., the arrangement in regard to Adrianople, guarantees for the Moslems in Thrace,
and demilitarisation. But he was not prepared to accept either autonomy or a
r commission of enquiry ; the latter had been refused by the Greeks, and we could not
now impose it.
M. Briand said that the success of mediation depended on meeting the Turkish
demands. The commission of enquiry had, he added, been accepted in principle in
London.
Lord Curzon replied that this was a (question of fact. The proposal for the
commissions had been refused and had therefore lapsed, and other proposals had been
devised in its place The Allies were in no way committed to a commission. At this
stage it was necessary to settle not the ultimate basis of peace, but the conditions on
which Greece would commit her case to the Allies. She would refuse to give up
Thrace. If, at a later stage, the Turks raised the question of Thrace it could then be
considered, but meanwhile we could wait until they did so.
M. Briand assented, as it was only a question of procedure.
The Italian Ambassador said that it was very undesirable to give the Greeks the
impression that they had Allied support on the question of Thrace.
M. Berthelot pointed out that a settlement of Thrace might ultimately be arranged
between the Greeks and the Turks, and the presentation of our proposals to the Turks
did not prevent us from modifying or adding to our conditions at a later date.
Lord Curzon agreed. If the Greeks asked about Thrace we should refer them to
our proposal for demilitarisation If the Turks refused to accept our terms without
the inclusion of Thrace we could discuss the matter further. But let us open the first
door before worrying about what might be behind the second.
M. Briand said that the question of Thrace was therefore reserved.
Lord Curzon asked the Italian Ambassador whether it was necessary to await a
reply to his first telegram to Rome before sending off the telegram to Athens. His
Excellency replied that it was necessary to await the Italian agreement on principle,
but he expected a reply this evening.
Lord Curzon read to the meeting a telegram from the commander-in-chief in the
Mediterranean, saying that the Greek offensive was suspended.
M. Briand observed : “ L’offensive est suspendue a nos levres.
Lord Curzon raised the question of Bekir Sarny s visit to Rome and his alleged
mission to the French and Italian Governments.
M. Briand said that the visit was entirely unofficial, and might be intended to
delay final decision. But he looked to a union of the Constantinople Cabinet, under
Izzet Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. , with the Nationalist moderates, including Mustapha Kemal, a combination
with which we could come to an agreement.
The question of the Constantinople command was then discussed, and M. Briand
accepted the formula arrived at before the meeting.
The Italian Ambassador said he must obtain his Government’s concurrence.
M. Berthelot said it would be easy to satisfy the Italians ou the question of minoi
appointments.
M. Briand thought it would be desirable not to make a public advertisement of
. General Harington’s assumption of command lest it should be interpreted as a threat,
and so endanger the negotiations. . , ,
Further discussion followed as to the best means of securing to Italy the substance
of her advantages under the tripartite agreement. The Italian Ambassador Bam it was
of vital importance to Italy, as it represented the sole Asiatic fruits of her victory.
M. Briand referred to the Turkish susceptibilities as to the encroachments on their
sovereignty, and to their readiness to give the concessions involved. He added that
question was not an urgent one, and suggested that this concession be left until the
Turks demand it.
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